GEBI was founded in 1983 as "Department of Biology" of "Research Institute for Basic Sciences" of "Gebze Research Centre of TUBITAK". Research funds provided by two internationally cooperative projects in 1987; which was a turning point and changed the face of the department in terms of both infrastructure and scientific capability. In 1992, the Biology Department was reorganized as a separate research entity under the name of "Research Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (RIGEB)" with the decision of TUBITAK Board of Governors. At July 15 2003, TUBITAK Scientific Committee made a decision to set RIGEB as an independent research unit inside Gebze Research Centre, meaning that direct management from the headquarters at Ankara with the aim of bettering basic scientific and applied studies in the field of molecular biology and modern biotechnology. At July 1 2006, TUBITAK Scientific Committee decided once again to incorporate the institution administratively to the main body of institutions of Marmara Research Centre.